A
long time ago, the old Davaoeños relied on mother nature - the
Davao river and the rain for their water needs. Since these were not
enough, the first waterworks system came about in 1921. Called the Sales
waterworks System, it tapped the Malagos creek to serve about 10,000
consumers. As the populace grew, studies for improvement were made and
so in 1968, the water system was placed under the National Waterworks
and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA). This signaled the construction of better
water facilities. Demand for more potable water proportionately grew
with the increasing population.

In 1973, Davao City Water District was created by virtue of Presidential
Decree 198. Operating as a quasi-public utility or a semi-government
status, DCWD implemented its project in calculated phases and stages.
Transmission and distribution lines, sources, pumping stations and reservoirs
multiplied in large proportions as DCWD tried to cope with Davao City's
progress. On March 12, 1992, the Supreme Court declared with finality
that all water districts in the country (to include DCWD) created under
PD 198 are government-owned and controlled corporations (201 SCRA 593).
This is now the status of DCWD.

The DCWD has --
ever since its inception -- been the biggest water district in the Philippines,
now having over 130,000 active service connections and is still fast
growing. Through three years, it has continuously widened its horizons
beyond basic water delivery. The water utility actively networks with
many GOCCs, private and public agencies and even private individuals
for water and environmental concerns and gender development. It also
takes on scholarship and various outreach programs that benefit the
less privileged constituents of the city. It has also been a godfather
water district to all water utilities in Region 11 and to all its counterparts
around the country that come or it may reach for assistance and guidance
in operation and technology.

The Local Water
Utilities Administration (LWUA) has more than once awarded DCWD as Most
Outstanding Water District (very large category), the distinction it
holds to this day. In 1996, DCWD also ranked fourth among the 12 Asia-Pacific
countries with the most successful efforts in reducing unaccounted-for-water.
In addition to its laurels, in 1997, the Asian Development Bank's Second
Water Utilities Data Book ranked DCWD number one among 50 water utilities
in the Asia Pacific Region. It shared equal glory with Singapore and
Johor Bahru of Malaysia. Indeed, DCWD's service record has remained
unsurpassed nor unequalled as being the country's most progressive water
district in Philippine history.

The Davao City Water
District faces the challenges of the 2000s through expanded and better
water service to all Davaoenos. Since 1973, DCWD holds the prestigious
record of being the biggest and most progressive water utility in the
Philippines, a status never surpassed nor equaled even at the close
of the 20th century. Consequently, its efforts have been documented
in the numerous awards, citations, and honors it has received from various
entities, a few of which are cited hereunder:

No. 1 Water
Utility in the Asia-Pacific Region
Side by side with Singapore and Johor bahru Malaysia as published
in the Asian Development Bank's Second Water Utilities Data Book which
contained the result of the evaluation done among fifty water utilities
in the region

Sangguniang
Panlungsod Commendation
For bringing honor and recognition to the City of Davao
By virtue of being declared as No. 1 water utility in the Asia-Pacific
Region.
Resolution No. 110 was issued by the Twelfth City Council during its
18th regular session on February 23, 1999

No. 4 Among
the 12 Asia-Pacific Countries
With the most successful efforts in reducing unaccounted-for-water
Given by International Water Supply Association - Asia Pacific in
November 1996.

Outstanding
Establishment in Davao City
In the field of Productivity and Quality Promotion
Given by the Philippine Quality and Productivity Movement, Inc. Davao
Chapter and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board - Region
10 on December 5, 1997.

Most Outstanding
Water District (Very Large Category)
Given by Local Water Utilities Administration
1995, 1996, 2001, 2002

Most Outstanding
Regional Training Center
Given by Local Water Utilities Administration, 1996

There is no stopping
to DCWD's continuous and unwavering fulfillment of its vision, mission,
and corporate philosophy. And so for as long as there is left one single
Davaoeno's thirst to quench, water will continue flowing along with
its: VISION: To be the best and most efficient water utility in Asia,
providing quality water at reasonable cost and excellent service, satisfying
its customers, employees and the community, and ensuring water resource
sustainability; MISSION: We commit to supply potable and affordable
water 24 hours a day, deliver reliable service, operate efficiency,
and take proactive stance in environmental concerns; and CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY:
Service with dignity and honor.